Serial data gauge

Abstract

An instrument is provided which is in electronic communication with an on board diagnostic system (OBD) of an automobile. The instrument selectively queries the OBD with batch requests for the purpose of reducing a processing load placed on the OBD PCM. The instrument obtains numerous operating conditions through the OBD, and displays the operating conditions in an intuitive format. The operating conditions may be grouped into five different modes, and the five most relevant operating conditions within each mode may be displayed on the monitor either by default or through customization by the user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not ApplicableSTATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH / DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention relates to a gauge, and more particularly, to a gauge that is easily installable to an automobile through its on board diagnostic system, has a monitor that is removeably attachable to the automobile, and may display numerous operating conditions formatted in an intuitive format which is customizable.[0004]A gauge is standard component on every vehicle sold in the United States. For example, a gauge that is standard on every automobile is a speedometer and an odometer. These gauges are installed by the manufacturer of the automobile at the time of manufacture. Another standard gauge of every automobile is a Fuel level indicator. This gauge also is installed by the manufacturer at the time of manufacture. In other cases, the manufacturer may place temperature or pressure sensor in the engine compart...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a device and method for communicating with an on-board diagnostic computer (OBD) of an automobile. This device, known as a gauge, is easy to install and remove from one automobile to another. The gauge is a stylish and simple device that is easy for drivers to install and use while driving. It is a multi-functional device that can display multiple operating conditions of the automobile based on data received from the OBD. The gauge is designed to be used as a diagnostic tool by mechanics and mechanics, but it can also be used as a gauge by drivers. The method of communication between the gauge and the OBD is simple and allows for easy installation and transferability of the gauge between automobiles. The gauge is a removeable and reconfigurable device that is easy to install and de-install. It is a multi-functional device that can display multiple operating conditions of the automobile and provide useful information to drivers. The format of the display and the method of navigation through the various operating conditions is unique. The technical effects of the invention include improved emissions control, easy installation and transferability of the gauge, and improved driver experience through a multi-functional display."

Problems solved by technology

Accordingly, these additional gauges must be hard wired to the respective automobile component which may be difficult even for an expert and unattractive.

Moreover, as the numbers of additional gauges are installed, the difficulty of the installation increases as well as its unattractiveness because of the need for additional wires and modifications to the vehicle.

Simply put, frequently, adding additional gauges above the standard gauges that are installed by the manufacturer is cumbersome and messy, and drivers are hesitant to add additional gauges to the automobile even though it may be safer to do so such as in the towing situation above.

Furthermore, the standard gauges are geared to general use of the automobile, and these gauges are not function specific or suited to a particular taste of a driver.

For example, as stated above, the automobile may primarily be used for towing (i.e., function of the automobile) but gauges useful to make the towing automobile safer are not installed by the manufacturer.

This may create a difficult installation and an unattractive interior.

Simply put, gauges on the market today are not geared toward the function of the automobile or the taste of the driver.

Moreover, the gauges that are typically being sold are fixed and are not customizable per the individual taste of the driver or function of the automobile.

In this regard, the gauges sold today are not customizable such that only operating conditions of the vehicle useful for towing are displayed on a single gauge when the automobile is being used for towing and operating conditions related to the performance of the automobile are displayed on the gauge when the driver desires to display such operating conditions.

Simply put, these gauges are not customizable to a particular taste of a driver or function of the automobile.

In sum, first, the gauges in the market are difficult to install, and as the number of gauges installed on the automobile increases, the difficulty of installing the gauges increases as well as the unattractiveness of the installed gauges.

Moreover, if the gauge is easy to install such that anyone could install it, then drivers who use their automobiles for towing would be more apt to install the gauge, instead of being hesitant to install the gauge because of the difficulty of installing the gauge.

Second, the gauges in the market today are not geared to a particular function of the automobile or taste of the driver.

Third, gauges sold in the market today are not customizable per the function of the automobile nor the taste of the driver.

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